It was the prototype of a new escort aircraft for strategic bombers.
At the time the US had a commanding lead in strategic bombers.
And so, now, for the first time in 35 years, our strategic bombers stand down.
France, for instance, is unwilling to include its strategic bombers in any equation.
Each spacecraft cost about as much as a single modern strategic bomber.
The first all-jet strategic bomber, the B-47 had served since 1951.
This plan was abandoned in favor of more conventional strategic bombers.
The He 111 was now being asked to perform in the role of the strategic bomber.
"The simple fact is that we don't need more strategic bombers to meet the likely threats of the future."
There is also the basic question of the need for a second strategic bomber.